Test - Prestige 420

The smallest F-Line Prestige was unveiled last year at the boat show in Cannes. It has been completely redesigned and, like its big sisters, now boasts a new modern design and plenty of comfort. The latter is provided by two spacious cabins, each with a double bed. The bow cabin is intended for guests, while the centre cabin - which extends across the entire width of the boat - is reserved for the owners. An elegant space with the right equipment and comfort. Only due to the design: The headroom is lower in the centre, and I (1.80 m) have to tuck my head in. There is an exemplary slatted frame under the mattress (although the guest berth does not have one). It almost goes without saying that you can access your own bathroom directly from the owner's cabin. The wet room offers sufficient space around the marine toilet. And the shower door, which can be folded in the centre, can be easily closed from the inside. The same applies to the door in the guest wet room, but here the shower and the marine toilet are not physically separated from each other.

One floor up is the saloon with convertible seating area and sofa (behind the driver's seat). The upholstery is firm and provides a high level of comfort. A fully equipped galley is located directly by the cockpit door so that the travelling party can also cater for themselves. Further aft in the cockpit, an L-shaped bench and table make for a cosy get-together, while the bathing platform with a long ladder at the back is a great place for bathers. A special feature of our test boat: the bathing platform can be lowered hydraulically. You climb onto the flybridge via a staircase, the steps of which are also deep enough to climb back down forwards without any problems. Fly equipment: comfortable seating area and sun lounger, which can be fixed with a wet bar. A bimini provides the necessary shade when the sun is too strong.

At the top of the port side is the outside driving position, which is equipped with a well-padded, adjustable bucket seat. Typical for boats with a flybridge: the forward-tilted wind deflector and the good view into the distance. If it gets chilly and uncomfortable, you can retreat to the driving position in the saloon. Here, the sheltered driver has a good view even in rainy weather, as the windscreen wipers and defroster "conjure" the moisture from the windows. The skipper sits on a one-man bench and has full control of the steering and gearstick. Not only are these within easy reach, but also the joystick. It works with the help of the two V-drives and the bow thruster. A system that I am driving for the first time. And it works well: the boat can also be manoeuvred safely and precisely with this unit, just like with the other boats. On the canal towards the IJmeer/Markermeer, we then sail as normal with the gear shift (electronic) and rudder system. We let the diesel run at idle speed (600 rpm) and sail through the water at around 4.5 knots. If we don't want the stern wave to reach a height that threatens the shore, the limit is reached at around 800 rpm (about 7 knots). Outside, we push the two levers forwards and the Prestige goes into planing mode at around 2000 rpm. The Zipwake trim system, which also compensates for rolling movements, helps here. The shipyard specifies a cruising speed of 22 knots, which also matches our measurement results. At this speed, we calculate a range of around 250 nm plus 15% reserve with a consumption of a good 4 l/sm. A value that is just about sufficient according to our range specifications.

On the "sea" a wind between 4 and 5 Bft. blows and creates a short chop wave, which the Prestige
hull smoothly and dryly. This even applies in fast bends, where the boat normally lies on its side and brakes automatically. If you steer back, the boat makes a "leap forwards". This is due to the two Cummins diesels, whose engine compartment is accessible via two hatches and ladders. For some service work, the technician down there has to be quite agile.

In terms of safety equipment, we particularly liked the installation of a fire extinguishing and complete bilge system, remote-controlled diesel taps and plenty of stopping options.

Need more information? You can find the test of the Prestige 420 with all technical data, further measurement results and full evaluation in BOOTE issue 10/2020 from 16/09/2020 at newsstands or online at Delius Klasing Shop.